What can the Nuggets expect in the playoffs? Opposing defenses will dare non-shooters to shoot, yes, but offenses will target perceived weaknesses on Denver’s defensive end, too.

The Nuggets almost survived to Jokic’s return. They were down 88-84. The last minute without him was a near-death sentence, though. Sam Hauser knocked down a transition drive-and-kick 3-pointer to bring the house down with 8:11 to go, highlighting a 6-0 burst.

The Denver Nuggets enter a Sunday matinee game against the Boston Celtics today with an opportunity to go 3-1 on a roadtrip against all playoff teams. That would be a pretty impressive turnaround for the Nuggets after a slow start post All-Star break. All they have to do? Beat the defending champions.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic makes strong statement on Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum after Sunday's contest

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, center, drives past Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives past ...

To win a second championship in three seasons, the Nuggets need Jamal Murray to play like he did ... Mitchell has Darius Garland. Boston’s Jayson Tatum has Jaylen Brown. When the Nuggets are ...

The Celtics were able to avoid blowing a 20-point lead for the second straight game due to some clutch shot-making.

Boston's victory broke a two-game losing streak in which they lost by 20 to the Detroit Pistons and blew a 22-point lead to the Cavaliers. They improved to 43-18 and maintain a strong hold on the East's No. 2 seed. The Celtics are off until Wednesday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers (27-33).

Boston Celtics (42-18, second in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Sunday, 1 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Boston faces the Denver Nuggets after Jayson Tatum ... for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging ...

The Denver Nuggets closed out their road trip by playing their third game in four days that also happened to be an 11AM mountain time tip and against the defending champion Boston